Background: A decrease in seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was observed after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009. The goal of our study was to assess seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in 2011-2012, 2 years after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic mass immunization campaign and to identify the main reasons for having or not having received the vaccine.
Methods: A telephone survey using random-digit dialing methodology was conducted. Case-weights were assigned to adjust for disproportionate sampling and for nonresponse bias. Descriptive statistics were generated for all variables.
Results: Seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was 57% among adults aged ≥60 years, 35% among adults with chronic medical conditions, and 44% among health care workers. The main reasons given for having been vaccinated were to be protected from influenza and a high perceived susceptibility to influenza, whereas low perceived susceptibility to influenza and low perceived severity of influenza were the main reasons for not having been vaccinated.
Conclusions: An increase in seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was observed 2 years after the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. However, vaccine coverage is still below the target level of 80%. More efforts are needed to develop effective strategies to increase seasonal influenza vaccine uptake.
Keywords: Flu; Immunization; Survey; Vaccination coverage.
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